Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon

Dr. Walter Thomas “Tom” Langdon, 78, of Garner, NC, went to his heavenly home surrounded by his loving and supportive family on March 11, 2023.

A kind, gentle, compassionate, and loving man, Tom was born in Four Oaks, NC to Mildred Stanley and Walter Langdon and grew up on a farm in Johnston County. Tom attended Four Oaks High School in Johnston County, NC where he also excelled as a three-sport athlete; he played basketball, football, and was an all-star baseball player. After graduating high school, Tom attended East Carolina University where he was a catcher on the Pirates baseball team, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Biology followed by a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He later earned his Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University in Educational Leadership and Administration.

After graduation, Tom went on to teach physical education, biology, and driver education at West Craven High School in Vanceboro, NC. While there, he also coached multiple sports. Later in life he became a principal in the Sampson County School System and eventually the Superintendent of Sampson County Schools.

On July 4, 1992, Tom married his best friend, Lorraine Jordan, of Vanceboro, NC. They have one daughter, Susanna Jordan Langdon of Garner who has been a loving and devoted caregiver for her father during his hospital visits. Since childhood, Tom and Susanna have shared a special father-daughter relationship. Tom has two sons: Marc Langdon, a law enforcement officer, and his partner, Sherry Lynn Rochen; and Brett Langdon, a musician and artist, and his wife Keshana Langdon.

In 2016, Tom fully retired and spent time pursuing his love for music, enjoying baseball games, and spending time with his family. Tom loved going to Durham Bulls baseball games and taking trips to watch spring training in Florida. He attended games at professional baseball stadiums as a fan. During the Dream Team Allstar Game in Florida, he once hit a fastball to outfield against professional pitcher Bob Feller and tagged Steve Garvey out at home plate. Tom played multiple instruments including banjo, dobro, guitar, and steel guitar and loved bluegrass music, playing at many festivals across the state.

Tom was a mason in the Hiram Lodge Division, Clinton, NC. He was also a member of the Garner Methodist Church and attended Just Jesus Community Church located in Garner, NC.

Dr. Langdon was predeceased by his mother, Mildred Stanley and father, Walter Langdon. He is survived by sister – Peggy Ann Snead of Manteo, NC; wife – Lorraine Jordan of Garner, NC; daughters – Susanna Langdon of Garner, NC; Sons – Marc Langdon of Waller, TX and Brett Langdon of Selma, NC; Grandchildren – Kaleb Langdon, Mason Langdon, and their mother Rayna Langdon who Tom loved and considered a daughter; Meredith Langdon, Hunter Langdon, Kaiya Langdon, Adrian Langdon, and Marley Langdon; Godson – Garrett Newton and Goddaughter – Katya Johansson.

The family will receive visitors at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Rd. Garner, NC; March 18, from 4pm – 7pm. Funeral Services will take place on Sunday, March 19, at 2:15 pm, with the graveside service following at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 12830 US 70 Business Highway West in Clayton. There will be a reception afterwards, held at Carolina Bleu Grille, 13049 US 70 Business Highway West, Clayton.

A “Celebration of Life” for Tom Langdon will take place at Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music, 101 Timber Pointe Ln. Garner, NC 27529: Saturday March 18, at 7:30 pm.

The family is requesting that anyone ordering flowers to please call Daniel's Florist, 2829 Jones Franklin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606. (919) 851-1500. https://danielsflorist.com/